Modern technology to produce strong bricks from abandoned boats - Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage
The agreement to purchase the required machinery for the fibreglass recycling project initiated by the Ministry of Fisheries to systematically manage fibreglass boats and waste that have accumulated over the years in fishing harbours, landing sites, and coastal areas was signed today (09) at the Ministry premises. The project is being implemented with an allocation of Rs. 56 million from the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Fund.
Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ratna Gamage, addressing the signing ceremony, stated:
“More than 10,000 tons of fibreglass waste have accumulated in fishing harbours across the country. Boats abandoned after the tsunami, along with nearly 20 tons of additional waste collected daily, have created a serious environmental and industry-related challenge. Through the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme, we are introducing a sustainable solution to this issue. Our target is to establish this recycling plant in the Beruwala area within the next six months and transform this waste into a productive resource.”
As the Chairman of the Cey-Nor Foundation, Mr. Ajitha Edirisinghe explained, the modern machinery, with a processing capacity of 500 kilograms per hour, will cut fibreglass parts into smaller pieces, crush them into powder and mix them with cement to manufacture products such as block stones, paving blocks and wire poles. Tests have confirmed that bricks produced by replacing approximately 30 percent of sand with fibreglass powder are lighter and stronger than conventional bricks.
Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, and Additional Secretary to the President (Clean Sri Lanka Programme), Engineer S. P. C. Sugeeshwara, were also present at the signing ceremony.
